Benjamin Bronfman also hit back at critics suggesting she's a bad mum...

Earlier this week, it was suggested that M.I.A.'s obscene gesture during her performance with Madonna at the Super Bowl was aimed at partner Benjamin Bronfman - after they apparently called off their five year romance.

Now, Bronfman has took to Twitter to slam the accusations, also defending M.I.A. - real name Mathangi Arulpragasam - stating that reports suggesting she's a bad mother for flipping the bird at the prestigious sporting event are unfair.

Addressing the rumours, he tweeted: "It's sad to see our media in such a state unfounded gossipy nonsense when there are real problems in the world…media needs to rethink its code of ethics. To consistently try to tear down a working mother is just beyond me."

Bronfman - who has a son with M.I.A. called Ikhyd - continued: "All this stuff about Maya being a bad mom is completely out of bounds. She's a really great mom. New song, great new video, great Super Bowl performance, great."

In a message to the Paper Planes singer, he added: "Can't say it enough -- Don't let them flip the script -- you're a great mom and Ikhyd loves you."

TMZ claims that the Bad Girls star signed a contract with the NFL pledging to compensate the league for any penalty imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the NFL hoping future performers will refrain from using similar gestures onstage.